Statement by International Leaders in Conflict Resolution and Peace Processes

We, the urdersigned, welcome and commend the proposed steps and new public commitment of the Basque Pro-independence (Abertzale Left) to "exclusively political anddemocratic" means and a "total absence of violence" to attain its political goals.Fully carried out, this commitment can be a major step in ending the last remaining conflict in Europe.We note the expectation that the coming months may present a situation where the commitment to peaceful, democratic and no-violent means becomes an irreversible reality. Tothat end, we appeal to ETA to support this commitment by declaring a permanent, fully verified ceasefire.Such a declaration appropriately responded to by [Spanish] Government would permit new political and democratic efforts to advance, differences to be resolverd and lastingpeace attained.